College News

The first time Margarita Hernandez walked into a college classroom, she already knew she was behind. She had planned to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, but a placement test put her directly into general education classes.

Lynnette Sullivan juggled two jobs, full-time classes, and caring for her younger sisters, all while preparing for motherhood. For a first-generation Mexican American, pursuing higher education felt both daunting and essential, as it was a way to break the cycle of poverty.

Sabrina Lopez’s return to college began as a practical decision but quickly became a journey of self-discovery. After years working as a traveling oral surgery assistant across Southern California, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to reassess her life.

“From a bench in South Park to commencement, I never thought I would make it out,” said Stacie Jackson. At age 62, Jackson walked across the stage at Moreno Valley College as the first among her siblings to earn a college degree, and she did so with distinction, earning two associate degrees.

When Israel Martinez first walked into MVC's iMake Innovation Center, he had no idea how pivotal it would be in shaping his future. Today, graduating from UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in design, he carries not only strong technical skills but a deep sense of purpose rooted in creativity,...

Christine Castillo Castanon, an alumna of MVC's TRIO program, is on the verge of earning her doctorate in optometry, marking a significant milestone in a journey that began with her involvement in TRIO’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program. Castanon has a passion for healthcare and a strong...